Margshirsha Shukla 4 Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 16 December, 2023: SM 5018 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
MAKAR SANKRANTI: Makar Sankranti (January 15), also referred to as
Uttarayana, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun from the
zodiac of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara). Many multi-day festivals
are organised on this occasion all over Bharat. It is also celebrated in many
parts of the South Asia with some regional variations.
2. BHARAT’S RESEARCH MOMENTUM SET TO SOAR : DR BHAGWAT:
At the inauguration of the next-generation sequencing facilities at the Central
India Institute of Medical Science (CIIMS) in Nagpur on December 3, Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat expressed confidence in
Bharat’s burgeoning research capabilities, asserting that the country is gaining
momentum and will soon overcome challenges with its rich knowledge base.
3. ‘RAM PHIR LAUTE’ BOOK RELEASE: The book ‘Ram Phir
Laute’, highlighting the historic and glorious journey of the reconstruction of
Shri Ram Mandir, was released by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah
Dattatreya Hosabale, Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Justice Hemant Gupta and VHP’s
International Working President Alok Kumar on December 9 at Dr Ambedkar
International Centre, New Delhi. The author of the book is senior journalist
Hemant Sharma.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that the foundation of not only the
Ram mandir but the Rashtra mandir and national pride is being laid in Ayodhya.
Ram is our inspiration, our identity, our pride and self-respect. -GoTop
4. YOGA -
BHARAT’S INVALUABLE GIFT TO WORLD: MURMU: Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu
inaugurated a national conference on ‘Integration of Yoga in School Education
System-Manifesting The Thought’ organised by Kaivalyadhama as part of its
centenary year celebrations at Lonavala on November 29. Speaking on the
occasion, Murmu said that yoga is Bharat’s invaluable gift to the world.
“Yoga is considered as an effective means of physical, mental, emotional,
social and spiritual progress,” she said. -GoTop
5. BHARAT CHARTS ITS COURSE TO RECLAIM NATION GLORY AS
VISHWAGURU: DHANKHAR: On December 10, UpRashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankhar said
that Bharat is charting its course to reclaim its glory as ‘Viswaguru’ and it is
going to be the third largest economy by the end of this decade. Speaking at the
platinum jubilee celebration of XLRI in Jamshedpur, Dhankhar said that the
country is standing at the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution. “It is
indeed a transformative era propelled by cutting-edge technologies.” he said
while addressing the students and faculties of the institution.
6. MOHAN BHAGWAT, PREM ANAND MAHARAJ DIALOGUE: During a
conversation between Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Prem Anand Maharaj of Vrindavan, Prem
Anand Maharaj emphasised the spiritual aspect of serving the nation. Maharaj
asserted that the younger generation, nurtured with spiritual values, becomes
the backbone of the nation. He emphasised that our nation is a divine entity,
and by connecting with the divine, one can contribute positively to its
progress. In the dialogue, Dr Mohan Bhagwat discussed the multifaceted role of
the RSS in shaping the destiny of the nation.
7. V BHAGAIAH CALLS FOR PEACE IN MANIPUR: In a bid to
promote peace and solidarity in Manipur, V Bhagaiah, a senior member of the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed a gathering of around 600
internally displaced people (IDP) during a programme jointly organised by Seva
Bharati Manipur and Manipur Seva Samiti on December 12. The event took place at
the government-run shelter home at Sawombung in the Imphal East district.
As part of the program, 532 blankets and study materials were distributed to the
IDPs, providing much needed relief to those affected by displacement. -GoTop
8. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370: On
December 11, the Supreme Court upheld the Union Government's decision to
abrogate Article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to Jammu and
Kashmir and said that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State
can't be subject to a legal challenge. 
Supreme Court said that it has held that Article 370 was a temporary provision.
The apex court also mentioned that the argument of petitioners that the Union
government cannot take actions of irreversible consequences in the State during
Presidential rule is not acceptable. "We have held that the state of Jammu and
Kashmir did not retain an element of sovereignty when it joined the Union of
India." CJI Chandrachud said.
The CJI further noted that on November 25, 1949, a proclamation was issued for
the State of Jammu and Kashmir by "Yuvraj Karan Singh". "The declaration on this
proclamation, that the Constitution of India would not only supersede all other
constitutional provisions in the state, which were inconsistent with it, but
also abrogate them, achieves what could have been attained by an agreement of
merger. With the issuance of the proclamation, paragraph of the instrument of
acession ceases to be of legal consequence. The proclamation reflects the full
and final surrender of sovereignty by Jammu and Kashmir through its sovereign
ruler to India " CJI added further.
The Supreme Court said "The declaration issued by the President exercises the
power and clause 3 of Article 370 is a culmination of the process of
integration. Thus, we do not find that the President's exercise of power under
Clause 3 of Article 370 was malafide. We hold the exercise of Presidential Power
to be valid.". The Supreme Court also directed the Election Commission to hold
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024.
9. 69TH ABVP NATIONAL CONFERENCE: The 69th National
Conference of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) hosted at ‘Indraprastha
Nagar’, a tent city at DDA Ground, commenced on December 7. Union Home Minister
Amit Shah inaugurated the National Conference on December 8. The second day of
the ABVP National Conference concluded with a drone-show featuring 500 drones,
adding a technological touch to the conference. 
10. SEWA DIWALI 2023: Sewa Diwali is an endeavor by a
coalition of Bharatiya American organizations and individuals deeply rooted in
Hindu values and it is fueled by the shared belief that the well-being of
society is a responsibility shared by all. This dedicated group achieved
remarkable success by conducting the Sewa Diwali food drive across 32 states,
encompassing over 200 townships, and involving more than 300 organizations. The
volunteers who contributed to this noble cause come from diverse backgrounds,
including school students, working professionals, and entrepreneurs from various
walks of life.
The Sewa Diwali team showed their appreciation for local law enforcement by
donating 250 pounds of food to the Plano Police Department. The community has
collectively amassed over 71,300 pounds of food over several weeks, contributing
to an ongoing effort that spans multiple organizations and scores of volunteers,
according to the Plano Texas Police Department.
As part of the Sewa Diwali initiative, local Hindu mandirs donated 1,600 pounds
of food as well as other items to the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria,
Illinois. Center for Prevention of Abuse CEO Carol Merna said it’s an event she
looks forward to every year.
The North Houston region collected and donated over 4100 lbs of food during the
festive season through Sewa Diwali. On November 20, 2023, HSS donated 2600 lbs
to Family Hope Fulshear. On behalf of Fort Bend County and Fulshear residents,
Mr. Abhi Utturkar, Fulshear City Council Member District 5, thanked and
congratulated HSS for this initiative.
The volunteers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh AZ and Sewa International AZ
accompanied by members of the local Hindu Community made a trip to Flagstaff, AZ
to hand over the proceeds of Sewa Diwali to beneficiaries from the Navajo Nation
Native Tribes.
In the suburb of Naperville, 3,750 pounds of food were donated to Loaves Fishes
of Naperville and were accepted by Juan Jacquaz, food marketing manager. This
event was graced by community and interfaith leaders Lynn Pries, president of
NILA, and Porus Dadabhoy, president of United for Peace.
Similarly, in the suburb of Aurora, 2,527 pounds of food and $2,000 were donated
to Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and were accepted by Heather Short.
More than 60 Bharatiya American groups contributed about 10,000 pounds of food
in the western Chicagoland suburbs this year as part of the SewaDiwali efforts.
-GoTop
11. HOUSTON’S HINDU YOUTH WILL SOON HAVE A SUMMER CAMPSITE
OF THEIR OWN: The Hindu Heritage Youth Camp, the predominant Hindu summer
program based in Houston, officially began construction of the Texas Hindu
Campsite on a 52-acre plot of land after a Bhumi Pujan on November 8. The Bhumi
Pujan was attended by members of various Hindu religious organizations including
priests from the 45 mandirs in the greater Houston area. 
12. GARBA INSCRIBED AS INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF
HUMANITY: On December 6, the Intergovernmental Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed ‘Garba of Gujarat’ on
the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during
its 18th session, which took place in Kasane, Botswana from December 5-9. The
inclusion of Garba now makes it Bharat’s 15th inscription on the list.
13. STATUE OF
THIRUVALLUVAR UNVEILED IN FRANCE: A statue of Thiruvalluvar was inaugurated
in the French town of Cergy on December 10. Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said
the statue is a "beautiful testament to our shared cultural bonds".
14. DR. JASVANT MODI DONATES $800K TO INTRODUCE JAIN
STUDIES AT CSUN: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has
announced a substantial donation of $800,000 by Dr. Jasvant Modi, a retired
gastroenterologist and philanthropist, and his wife Dr. Meera Modi. The funds
are designated to support the Bhagvan Ajitnath Endowed Professorship in Jain
Studies within the Department of Religious Studies, College of Humanities. This
landmark gift marks a significant step in promoting the understanding of
Jainism, a major religion from early Bharat.
Dr. Modi and his wife, Meera, are passionate about spreading the faith of
Jainism through educational and medical work, both in the United States and in
their home country of Bharat. -GoTop
15. BHARAT-NEPAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL INAUGURATED: The
Embassy of Bharat in Nepal, in collaboration with Lumbini Development Trust and
Lumbini Buddhist University, organised the inaugural Bharat-Nepal Cultural
Festival in Lumbini. “The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage and
traditions of Bharat and Nepal, with a focus on Buddhism.” a release from the
Bharatiya Embassy stated. The festival was inaugurated on December 9 jointly by
Ambassador of Bharat to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Minister of Culture, Tourism
and Civil Aviation of Nepal Sudan Kirati, and Chief Minister of Lumbini Province
Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary.
As a part of this festival, an academic seminar titled “Exploring the Impact of
Buddhist Teachings on Community Development and Global Well-Being” was also
organised at Lumbini Buddhist University. -GoTop
16. SEVA BHARTI’S FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS IN CHENNAI: The
Maichung cyclone wreaked havoc in early December, leaving several areas in
North-Eastern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, inundated. In response, Seva
Bharati, RSS, and Ramakrishna Math, have been actively engaged in relief
activities. Seva Bharathi deployed its volunteers for relief activities.
Essential items, including food, provisions, vegetables, cooking oil, baby food,
milk, bread, biscuits, bed sheets, paste, and medicines were collected and
community kitchens were set up to prepare food for distribution in the affected
regions.
17. BHARAT ANNOUNCES ONE MILLION DOLLARS RELIEF ASSISTANCE
TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Bharat has announced 1 million dollars immediate relief
assistance to Papua New Guinea after the volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun. The
Ministry of External Affairs said that Bharat extends deep sympathy to the
Government and the people of Papua New Guinea for the damage and destruction
caused by the disaster. It added that Bharat has extended immediate relief
assistance to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts as a
close friend and development partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands
Cooperation and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New
Guinea. The volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun on November 20 has so far forced
the evacuation of more than 26,000 people and created urgent humanitarian needs.
-GoTop
18. CHANGED LOGO OF NMC INCLUDES DHANWANTARI: The
National Medical Commission (NMC) has modified its official logo, replacing the
word “India’ with “Bharat” and adding a colour image of the Devata of Ayurveda,
Dhanwantari. As per the National Medical Commission’s website, NMC was
established by an act of Parliament known as the National Medical Commission
Act, 2019, which went into effect on September 25, 2020,
19. ADITYA-L1 MISSION: ISRO ACTIVATES SECOND INSTRUMENT ON
SOLAR SPACECRAFT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on
December 2 that Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload onboard
Bharat's first solar satellite Aditya-L1, has commenced its operations and
started working normally.
According to the space agency, ASPEX comprises two instruments – the Solar Wind
Ion Spectrometer (SWIS) and Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer
(STEPS).
20. ISRO SCIENTIST LALITHAMBIKA CONFERRED HIGHEST FRENCH
CIVILIAN AWARD: V R Lalithambika - the former director of Directorate of the
Human Spaceflight Programme at ISRO - was honoured with the prestigious Légion
d'honneur, the highest French civilian award, on November 28. This recognition
was bestowed upon her in appreciation of her significant contributions to
fostering space cooperation between France and Bharat. The accolade was
presented to her by the Ambassador of France to Bharat, Thierry Mathou on behalf
of the French government.
Lalithambika played a key role in facilitating the signing of the initial
collaborative agreement between CNES and ISRO on human spaceflight, enabling the
exchange of specialists in space medicine between the two countries. In 2021,
she coordinated with CNES for the signing of a second agreement between France
and Bharat pertaining to the Bharatiya astronaut programme.
French Ambassador Mathou expressed his delight in conferring the Chevalier of
the Légion d'Honneur on Dr. V.R. Lalithambika, acknowledging her as a
distinguished scientist and trailblazer in space technology. Upon receiving the
award, Lalithambika expressed her sincere hope that this honor would inspire
more women to pursue STEM careers and excel in their chosen fields. -GoTop
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Jharna Dixit - South Africa, Rajat Gupta - Ireland, Suhas Biwalkar - USA
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “If I love myself despite my infinite faults, how can I
hate anyone at the glimpse of a few faults.” - Swami Vivekananda. -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
‘HINDUTVA, SANATAN DHARMA TO DEFINE HINDUS’
K BADRINATH
How does one define Hindu? Is it
Hinduism or Hindutva? What’s ‘Sanatan Dharna’?
These precise questions were sought to be addressed at three-day World Hindu
Congress (WHC) that was held in Thai capital, Bangkok.
Over 2000 top prominent Dharmic leaders, organizations and stakeholders from 61
countries met for a quadrennial marathon session that ended on Sunday. At the
brainstorming sessions, serious effort seems to have been made to clear air on
‘Hindutva’ as a concept, philosophy and universal sustainable way of life.
In a significant declaration adopted on Friday, Hindu leadership rejected ‘ism’
as a suffix or affix to describe ‘Hindus’. Instead, the universal philosophy
adhered to by over 1.2 billion people in about 100 countries will now be known
by ‘Hindutva’ or ‘Hinduness’.
Rejection of the very word, ‘Hinduism’ is all the more important. As the ‘ism’
was associated with 150-years old conspiracy to depict Hindus or Hindutva with
‘oppressive and discriminatory attitude’ or belief. Well, if one were to simply
delve into very origins of ‘Hinduism’, it definitely was part of a larger
conspiracy to discredit one of the oldest civilizations through which humanity
evolved.
‘The isms’ were routinely attached to regressive, retrogressive, radical
religious or spiritual movements. Isms were derogatory and negative apart from
being divisive in spirit and content. ‘Isms’ were also attached to
non-mainstream and fringe movements. Given this historical context, World Hindu
Congress’ that prides itself as the largest congregation of Hindus globally,
rejected and totally discarded ‘Hinduism’.
Yet another reason for World Hindu Congress to discard ‘Hinduism’ was the very
origins of this coinage. Hinduism was introduced and popularised by Monier
Williams through his handbook on Hinduism. Let’s not ignore the fact that this
handbook on ‘Hinduism’ was published way back in 1877 by Society for Promotion
of Christian Knowledge.
With this in the backdrop, one can easily infer the motive behind this
intellectual dishonesty possibly committed as part of a larger game plan to
build anti-Hindu narratives, demonize the civilization and not spare even the
most pious and spiritual leaders in Hindu pantheon including the sages and
saints.
World Hindu Congress seems geared up to expose this well thought out
150-year-old well-crafted plan.
Rightly, Hindus globally seem to have signalled shift away from this conspiracy
and be represented by ‘Hindutva’ or ‘Hinduness’ that’s more inclusive and an
all-encompassing philosophy outlined by ‘Sanatan Dharma’. Hindutva as defined by
World Hindu Congress is simpler and represents eternal nature of its philosophy
and the way of life distinct to Hindus over millennia. Again, juxtaposing
Hindutva against Sanatan Dharma owing to political expediency or individual
prejudices was recognized by the World Hindu Congress through its declaration
adopted unanimously. By placing Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma on diametrically
opposite stands is perhaps one way of attacking everything that’s good and
beautiful in the way of life itself.
In fact, Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan
Bhagwat went a step further to explain how it was misrepresented to fuel
bigotry. Hindutva was above all the ‘isms’ like capitalism, communism and
materialism is what Dr. Bhagwat asserted during inaugural session of World Hindu
Congress last Friday. Even if these ‘isms’ and religions led to some
materialistic gains for a few, happiness, bliss and peace was something that
were found wanting even today.
Dr. Bhagwat’s speech explained in some detail ‘inclusiveness’ of Hindutva while
differentiating it from what’s sought to be depicted by the rival ecosystem. For
instance, ‘all sampradayas’ or traditions led to ultimate purification under the
wider Hindutva umbrella. This tolerant umbrella was willing to not accommodate
just Bharatiya traditions but also foreign faith practitioners that descended on
Bharat over ages.
This year’s theme for World Hindu Congress was, ‘Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah’,
which loosely translated to mean “Dharma, the abode of victory”. Here again, the
intent was made very clear. RSS sarsanghchalak said in no uncertain terms that
Hindus were not seeking or looking at victory over ‘anyone else’. Instead,
Hindus seek victory for all in progress, development and spread of prosperity at
materialistic, spiritual and meta-physical levels. Mata Amritanandamayi added
another spec to Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. Amritanandamayi also known as
‘amma’ (the mother) from Kerala state pointed to Supreme Consciousness and
Supreme Knowledge of the universe that differentiated Hindutva from others.
World Hindu Congress decision to move ahead with Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma are
a significant step going forward. This will be precursor to Hindus seeking to
play a meaningful role in global affairs to realize ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,
entire humanity as one big family.
(The author is Director and Chief Executive of New Delhi based non-partisan
think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)
https://vskbharat.com/hindutva-sanatan-dharma-to-define-hindus/?lang=en
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
